Daniel Cann

This is a quintessentially British comedy with a galactic scope based on the bestselling book by Douglas Adams. Talk about pressure! This film will be under scrutiny from fans of the book, radio play and the television series. It not only has to win over the old die – hard fans but also appeal to the new MTV generation to be successful. But, ‘Don’t panic’ I am happy to report that both camps will be happy with the end result, for this is a hugely enjoyable romp. First time director Garth Jennings has pulled a masterstroke, he has elicited excellent performances from his cast all playing with wit and enthusiastic gusto. The special effects are beautiful and awe inspiring in places and kitschy and corny when they need to be for comic effect. This is a comedy of errors set against the infinite backdrop of space. Are the aliens we encounter superior ultra intelligent beings? Heck no! We are treated to a collection of wacky, clueless, deeply flawed misfits who share more than just a few human traits. The vogons for example, the aliens who are responsible for the bypass through earth are ugly, dull, brutish creatures that make captives listen to their poetry as a form of torture! There is Zaphod Beeblebrox a hyperactive, superficial, shallow, self – centred and inept President of the Galaxy brilliantly and enthusiastically portrayed by Sam Rockwell. The nerdy and charming Ford Prefect played by Mos Def and a hilariously gloomy Marvin the Paranoid android voiced by Alan Rickman and performed with pathos by Warwick Davis in the robot suit. Martin Freeman is perfect as the ruffled and bemused pyjama clad Dent and the other human, Trillian is the delectable Zooey Deschanal who has infused her character with an excellent world - weariness and dry sense of humour. The film is also full of many enjoyable cameos from the likes of Bill Bailey, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren and Bill Nighy as well as Stephen Fry as the narrator of the Guide.

It’s a real treat to be a passenger on a ride with these characters for two hours. What other film boasts singing dolphins, a flying whale, a bowl of petunias and homicidal mice? The film passes in a whirlwind of comedy, special effects and the absurd. All the charm and pythonesque humour of the novel is retained and finally the vision of how space and the aliens should look have been realised with big money. Its quirky and endearing and a worthy tribute to its creator the sadly late Douglas Adams who I am sure would have enjoyed this as much as the people who are lucky enough to see it now.

VIEW MOVIE TRAILER BELOW